Geneva College invites students, alumni, and friends of the college on The Best of Israel Tour: Date December 27 - January 6. Led by Geneva College Bible Department professors Dr. Byron Curtis, Dr. Scott Shidemantle and Dr. Jonathan Watt, participants will travel to Israel, see first-hand some of the places where Jesus walked and taught, and explore important geographic and archeological sites.

The archeological sites of Caesarea Philippi, Qumran (where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered), Belvoir Castle and Capernaum are among the places that the group will visit. Participants will travel to the ruins of the ancient port of Caesarea Maritima and view a Roman Aqueduct, swim in the Dead Sea, and spend time in Jerusalem. They will also journey to Bethlehem, explore Masada, hike the Ein Gedi nature reserve, spend time in contemplation in the Garden of Gethsemane, visit the Western Wall, and much more.

Included In Tour PriceRoundtrip air from New York (+$300 for Pittsburgh) including current air taxes and fuel surcharges (taxes and fuel charges are subject to change), 9 nights lodging at 4 star hotels, breakfast and dinner daily, full time English speaking tour escort, services of air conditioned deluxe motor coach, all guides, entrances, touring and transportation as appears on itinerary including the Temple Mount Sifting Project with Dr. Gabby Barkay, baggage handling at hotels (one piece), tips to driver, guides, and hotel staff*Make sure to list New York and Pittsburgh (+$300) as departure city options on the reservation form

Not Included In Tour PriceAll lunches, optional travel insurance (6.5% or 8.7% of tour cost), optional credit card payments (additional 3% of the total bill)

The trip is associated with the fall Archaeology and Geography of Israel course, BIB 341/HUM 304. The on-campus class will discuss the art and science of archaeology and the geography of Israel; however, current students may attend the trip without enrolling in the course. Alumni and friends who register for the trip to Israel and place a deposit prior to the deadline (TBA) are invited to audit the Archeology and Geography of Israel course at no charge.

"We'll learn about how archaeology is done, how archaeology intersects with the story of the Bible and look at case studies that will relate to some archaeological sites that we will visit," explains Dr. Shidemantle. "We'll also look at the diverse regions of Israel and learn how the geographic realities relate to the story of the Bible."

And the trip to Israel truly connects classroom curriculum and biblical knowledge with experiential learning. "Not only will we read about the location of some of the stories of the Bible, but we'll actually visit them - so we'll see and feel these stories," says Dr. Shidemantle. "Travelers have told me more than once, I'll never read the Bible the same way again."

According to Dr. Shidemantle, the trip provides so many unique and spiritual experiences that it is difficult to identify a singular highlight for travelers: "Some are impressed by the ancient churches such as the Church of the Nativity, commemorating where Jesus was born, or the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, which commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus. Others appreciate the cultural interchange - interacting with Jews, Muslims and Middle Eastern Christians. Still others enjoy connecting the written accounts of the Bible with their actual physical location."